Features

Nate Wilson Pilots A Journey to Jupiter

When Nate Wilson started his own side project he chose a simple name: The Nate Wilson Group. But when the side project became a full-time project, Wilson needed a catchier name. NWG, which formed five years ago, is now known as The Ghosts of Jupiter. The band consists of Wilson (keyboards and lead vocals) guitarists Adam Terrell and Johnny Trama, bassist Tommy Lada (also known as Steve-Dave) and drummer Tommy Arey. Not Including Wilson, only two original members – Terell and Arey – remain since its formation.

Previously, Wilson was a founding member of Percy Hill from 1993-2002 before joining Assembly of Dust from 2002-2009. Wilson, who grew up in the rural town of Sutton NH, attended the University of New Hampshire and obtained a masters degree from New England Conservatory. Jambands.com interviewed Wilson to discuss the current state of Ghosts of Jupiter, how his playing style has changed, and his days with Percy Hill and AOD.

Ghosts of Jupiter have a new digital EP, Green is Gold Vol 1, set for release and will celebrate this with a release event at Brighton Music Hall on April 26th. Everyone who attends will receive a complimentary download of the record.

Why did you decide to change the band’s name? And how did you end up with Ghosts of Jupiter?

It was our intention to have a proper band name for a while. The band started as a side-project originally, but when it became a more serious endeavor, and when we thought we had a solid line-up and a solid direction, we decided it was high time. Turns out naming a band isn’t easy so it took us a while to decide on something. Ghosts of Jupiter is the name of one of my songs which was inspired loosely by some lines in the poem “Prometheus Unbound” by Percy Shelley. But mostly we just thought it suited our music.

How did you come to the realization that your side-project would become a serious endeavor?

Probably during the recording of our first album Unbound. It was under the name Nate Wilson Group; before Steve-Dave and Johnny were in the band. But during that recording process I think we really formed the concept of the band and I knew at that point that I wanted to pursue the band to the fullest.

You have had several lineup changes over the years, how has that affected the development of the band?

It’s really only helped. Every time we’ve been in need, the perfect person seems to have come out of the woodwork. First Steve-Dave and then Johnny. But honestly I really haven’t given it much thought since the five of us have been together for a while now.

Are you confident that the lineup you have now, will be the band moving forward?

Yes.

Can you talk about the newest members: guitarist Johnny Trama and bassist Tommy Lada.

They’re both terrific musicians who really understand the direction of the band. But most of the time in a band camaraderie is just as important as anything else Those two are great to have around and its really solidified things on a personal level.

What role have Adam and Tom, two original members, played over the years?

I’ve been working with Adam forever so its really easy to communicate on a musical level with someone you know so well. Tom is just a fantastic drummer. He really cares about the music from a songwriting standpoint, so we work together on the arrangements of the tunes. We keep getting better at it each time we’re in the studio.

Is it harder then you expected it to be, when you’re the man in charge?

Honestly, the hard part is all the non-musical stuff you have to deal with as a musician. I’ve gone from being super-reluctant to just regular reluctant and it’s only out of necessity. We’ve been fortunate in the last year or so to be able to partner with a really great management agency as well as a booking agency, so now some of that stuff is off my plate I’m able to focus more on what I know. The musical side of it comes easy, I’m just always trying to find something new to push the band’s music ahead.

Comments

Nate and Adam are genius together in any form. I think the new EP will showcase a little more of Nate’s keys, so that should be good.

Matt March 31, 2013, 19:53:33

I have both albums, Unbound and Ghosts of Jupiter. They are great. They definitely have that 70s sound. I have seen Nate and Adam numerous times with AOD and Tom Arey twice (once filling in with AOD and then with Uncle Sammy). Looking forward to the new EPs and I hope to see them in New York (NYC or Hudson Valley).

maine April 1, 2013, 08:16:02

whatever musical project nate wilson is a part of is always worth a listen- i expect great things from this band and csnt wait to see them on some bigger co headlining bills- we all know how much nate likes to play blue jeans and pizza with moe.

Gina April 2, 2013, 14:01:03

The sheer amount of musical talent in this band is what makes them so good on so many different levels. I was a huge fan of Percy Hill and Schleigho in the late 90’s. When I was handed Unbound by Johnny Trama I was so blown away after losing touch with the jam circuit mid 2000’s to have reconnected to it again. Thomas Arey has become one of my favorite drummers on the East Coast as all the members of the band have justified talent, respectfully. However beyond that is Nate Wilson’s esoteric song-writing. It really ties it all together. Love the music. Love the band. Would love to see these guys be taken to the next level (meaning tax brackets through album sales). I’ll vouch for that.

Bill April 7, 2013, 12:58:44

THAN. Not then.

meh April 9, 2013, 15:09:22

Should have called yr band “hot dog in a hallway”!

gerry demario September 2, 2013, 23:40:56

I saw the band in somers pt. nj. I was mesmorized too bad the rain happened but it was a real experience. I spoke to nate and felt good vibes, Me being a musician singer/percussionist felt the music that reached my soul. Play one for me and my girlfriend marie her birthday is 9-13 its a friday. The ghosts will chase away the superstitions.Peace on earth &peace on jupiter.

gerry demario September 2, 2013, 23:54:43

I played in an eight horn band group therapy we warmed for the young rascals and orleans and we gave them a run for the money. We played some Tower of power,Steely dan, Blood sweat and tears, and and the r&b from the 60’s and 70’s we broke up after 2 yrs.Its good to see a great band stay tight after 5 yrs. If we can give a run for the money you can. Hang tough.